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Farah, Managing Director of Pet’s Delight, gives invaluable tips for busy dog lovers, in choosing the breeds best suited for them. An exclusive for Different Truths.
Having a hectic schedule is not always about doing some overtime work at the office. For some people, it can mean taking care of the kids or keeping the house in order. Others have a lot of freelancing jobs on their plate or do volunteer work during the weekends.
Whatever gets you busy these days, coming home to find a dog eagerly waiting for your arrival can be quite heart-warming.
Still, you might feel hesitant to bring home a pet because of the additional responsibility of caring for them. Lucky for you, several dog breeds are not very needy while still offering the same unwavering and unconditional love you have been longing for.
Of course, this does not mean that they won’t need you to take care of them. You still need to call your trusted pet food delivery service to keep their bellies full and bring them to the vet for annual check-ups. It just means that they require less maintenance and are more forgiving than others.
Ready to bring home a canine pal to liven up your exhausting daily routine? Here are six low-maintenance breeds busy people like you can choose from:
Boston Terrier
Boston terriers are brown-eyed canines with a tuxedo-style coat that can do well even in apartments with limited floor space, making them an excellent choice for busy bachelors or bachelorettes.
These sociable dogs are eager to need a couple of walks please and only in a day with some indoor playtime. They also do well with children, so they’re great for busy families wanting some furry puppy love.
Plus, they are short-haired, which means you won’t need a lot of doggie shampoo and other pet grooming items in your arsenal to keep them looking tidy. It can’t get any lower maintenance than that.
West Highland White Terrier
Another member of the terrier family that you might want to add to yours is the West Highland White Terrier. While it may not be as short-haired as its Boston terrier cousin, it still is an excellent choice for busy people wanting to become pet parents.
This breed grows small to medium and is moderately energetic. It is also quite easy to train and relatively healthy, which means you can save up not only your efforts but also the expenses on professional training and dog medicine.
West Highland white terriers require a bit of grooming, though you don’t have to trim its fur often. Instead, you can choose to hand-strip their coat (pluck dead hairs) or brush it regularly.
Chihuahua
If you are thinking about getting a furry baby around that size of a human baby, then you might want to consider getting an adorable chihuahua for your pet. These creatures are not only tiny – they are also up for anything.
Chihuahuas are highly adaptable creatures. You can teach them tricks and commands at a young age – the earlier, the better. They can also grow independent and only require a quick stroll around a few blocks in the neighbourhood while following behind you to stay fit.
As for grooming, there is not much you need to do aside from the occasional quick brushing, especially if you opted for the short-haired variety. Even those with longer hair won’t need a visit to the groomer.
But the best thing about them is their size. With the right bag, you can bring your cute chihuahua virtually anywhere you go.
Dachshund
If dogs with the right attitude are what you want, then you will do well with a dachshund. This dog breed usually has a positive disposition, making it a wonderful addition to your family.
These tiny to medium-sized dogs are game for anything. They do like catching frisbees or fetching sticks, but they also make great lap dogs. They are content just to stay beside you quietly whenever you need to focus on work tasks at home or even in a dog-friendly office.
Some dachshunds sport long locks that may require occasional trips to the groomers, but short- or wiry-haired ones usually don’t. Take note, however, that this breed may show a bit of stubbornness from time to time. Of course, it’s nothing that a good foundation training can’t resolve.
Also, keep in mind that while their short legs make dachshunds quite adorable, it means that they are only built for moderate exercise. Running around the house (watch out for stairs) and leisurely walks in the neighbourhood are enough, but don’t overdo it as too much jumping or running can aggravate any spinal issues they may have inherited.
Greyhound
Most people think greyhounds are overly high-energy animals to keep as a pet, but it is the contrary. Even though they are categorised as racing dogs, greyhounds love loafing around and enjoying some downtime with their fur parents.
Of course, they still need their exercise, which may come in the form of daily walks. You can also make them run occasionally, but there is no need to make it too intense.
Greyhounds respond well to training. They are also generally healthy and are easy to handle. And while they are categorised as large-breed dogs, they don’t fit the giant category.
Spaniels
Spaniels come in many varieties – including the Cocker Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – all of which have gentle, soulful eyes that will surely melt your heart.
While spaniels were originally bred for hunting, spaniels today are more inclined to serve as lap dogs for their sweet disposition. They are easy-going and can get along well with others – strangers, children, and other pets. They are content just to take leisurely walks, or even snuggle with people.
The Cavalier King Charles variety is known for their ability to adjust to the temperament of their fur parents, making them great for people on-the-go. However, their longer coats may require more regular brushing and occasional visits to the groomer to keep their fur silky smooth and free of tangles.
Other than that, spaniels can go with the flow, whether they are in a family with energetic little ones or serving as your only roommate in a tiny apartment.
Do not Let Life Get in the Way
Dogs are important members for many families around the world, but many people shy away from bringing home one because of the added responsibility.
However, you should not let life get in the way of having a pet dog. Remember: Having a pet to cuddle and play with when you arrive home from a busy day is a great way to overcome stress and improve your mental and emotional state.
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